Orz communications

Translating Orz communications is problematic at best. The Orz sense of reality is likely completely different from any other sentient species, with the possible exception of the Arilou. Even the most sophisticated and powerful translators cannot fully process their bizarre alien language, having to resort to the use of many lingual best-fits in the translation. These are marked in text by surrounding the word with asterisks (*). It is possible that all words that appear in (*) can have more than just one meaning. Some of these words seem surprisingly good best-fits, like *sorry*, *friends* or *happy* (and are as such not listed here), but it is possible that they actually mean something completely different; in addition, some words not included in a pair of asterisks may actually be best-fits as well. It is worth noting that best-fits may also have multiple spellings, and that some best-fits made of multiple words may actually be multiple best-fits under a single pair of asterisks.

*above*

Where the Arilou come from. This may refer to QuasiSpace (in terms of its relative reality phase with respect to TrueSpace/HyperSpace), a particular part of QuasiSpace (if *outside* refers specifically to QuasiSpace), or an obscure characteristic of the Arilou in contrast to the Orz (who are from *below*).

*absorbing*

Possibly means "leaving". May also mean "understanding". ("Finally you are *absorbing*. I am tired of *spitting* the meaning.")

*become*

Obscure. Seemingly related to a deep change in the nature of a being. *Campers* may *become* during a *party* (which benefits them); *silly cows* are referred to as being able to "*become* the second time" upon being *dissolved*, which can be interpreted either as *dissolving* being a cause of *becoming* or as *dissolving* offering another chance at *becoming* (for instance, the *silly cow* may get reincarnated and thus have the chance to befriend the Orz in the next life, becoming a *camper*). May be synonymous with *the change*.

*below*

Where the Orz come from. This may refer to their home dimension (in terms of its relative reality phase with respect to TrueSpace/HyperSpace), a particular part of QuasiSpace (if *outside* refers specifically to QuasiSpace), or an obscure characteristic of the Orz in contrast to the Arilou (who are from *above*).

*in between*

Most likely refers to TrueSpace, as "Orz can *dance* very well in between"). May be the same as *the middle*. *Outside*, *inside* and *in between* might be examples of different *levels*.

*bright*

Mentioned together with *smooth*. Some sort of quality the Orz like at TrueSpace/HyperSpace. Seemingly opposite of *hurt*.

*camper*/*Camper*

Races (or individuals thereof) with which the Orz does *camping*.

The best *campers* are the *happy campers* — i.e. *campers* that have friendly relations with the Orz (such as the Humans after allying with them, or the Taalo, which are "even better *campers* than [the Humans]"). *Silly cows* (such as the Androsynth and the VUX) are apparently *campers* as well ("[...] there are so many *campers*. First the VUX, but they are such *silly cows* [...]"), though they are not liked by the Orz, who must *dance* with them. *Not camper* is apparently synonymous with (or includes) *silly cow*.

*Campers*, after getting *connected* with the Orz, may *change* (through *camping*/*parties*), which, the Orz claim, benefits both parties. *Campers* can also be *pulled* by the Orz after being *connected* (as happened with the Androsynth), which the Orz seems not to like. The Orz also claims to *chase* the Taalo, but it is not clear whether this can be done to any *camper*.

*camping*

What the Orz do to the *campers* in order for the *campers* to *change*. To start *camping*, the *campers* must go to the Orz *house* (presumably to arrange an *alliance*) and get *connected*. Apparently, *camping* involves *parties*, or is synonymous with having *parties*.

*the change*

Obscure. Seemingly related to a deep change induced by the Orz to *campers*. *Campers* may *change* through *camping*, which, the Orz claim, benefits both parties. May be synonymous with *become*.

*color*

Might mean "reality phase", as it is referred to as being "many", along with *space* and *time*. *Color* as in "*smelling* *pretty colors*" or "*squirting nice colors*" might mean something different.

*connected*

A relationship between Orz and a *camper* race required for *camping*. Seemingly closely related, or synonymous, with *together*.

*cousin*

Other Orz(-like) entities, other IDF races or other *fingers*. Possibly synonymous with *Orz puppies*. Might be related with the words *relative* and *sister*.

*dance*

Combat — "Nnnnnggggaaaahhhhh!!!!!! It is *dancing*!!!!"

*dessert*

Possibly the opposite of *(special) sauce*; something the Orz "use"/"eat" together with friendly beings.

*dissolving*

Destroying a ship, dying.

*fat*

Important, serious "These are *fat* words."

*fingers*

An "individual" Orz; see *many bubbles*.

*frumple*

To become, or the state of being angry or sad or violent, described — "Do not ask about [the Androsynth]. You make me *frumple*."

*fun*/funny

A good feeling/energy/state whose attaining seems important to the Orz; the Orz mention numerous things related to *fun*/fun: *dissolving* *silly cows*, fun *games*, *spicy games*, *parties*, *sorry*, *jokes*, *in between*, *dancing*, *time jokes*, the Taalo *playground* (though not for *silly cows* or *slow time* *walkers*), *spitting* the fun words, saying "Hello!", *fun time*, *snappy fun*, *special training*, being *together*.

*game*

Possibly the action being done presently or an action that the Orz want to do (seemingly together with other entities/*campers*).

*germinate*

Thrive? Orz reproduction? Being happy?

*GO! GO!*

The Orz term for space marines, as well as the sound which they are deployed to.

*happy spices*

Seemingly *Jumping Peppers!* with less intensity.

*happy town*

A place/dimension (*level*?) liked by the Orz.

*heavy space*

An example of differences between universes/dimensions, likely shared by TrueSpace and HyperSpace. *heavy* is also used instead sometimes. — "These are best for letting go near *heavy space* planet bodies.", "*Happy campers* not going to *heavy space* *slide* near Chandrasekhar."

*house*

Homeworld.

*hurt*

Seemingly opposite of *bright* and *smooth*. May indicate discomfort experienced by the Orz at "the other place", which may be *outside*, *below* (their place of origin) or both. In contrast, the Orz are not *hurt* in TrueSpace.

**HYUIVBHJHG**

The form of travel used by Orz/IDF races.

*inside*

A good place/state that the Orz have access to, unlike *campers*. The Orz want to show the *inside* to *campers*. Opposite of *outside*. *Outside*, *inside* and *in between* might be examples of different *levels*.

*juice*/*squeezing the juice*

Obscure. It is something relating to when the Orz are angry (or *frumple* as they call it). When the Orz are describing how they feel about the Arilou *jumping in front* they say "It is always! Nnnnggaaahhhhh! There is *juice squeezing* and then we are not so *frumple*.", which, together with "Again I am *squeezing* the *juice*. Nnnggaaaahhh!! It does not even helping.", might indicate that *squeezing the juice* precedes calming down in some way.

The *juice* seems able to have different intensities or quantities: "Always you make Orz *squeezing juice*. We do not have enough."

The attitude of the Orz towards the *juice* seems ambiguous; on one occasion they say "After *dissolved*, *silly cows* will not be *frumple* and Orz will have *special sauce*, not the *juice*.", and in another one they say "Go. It is *happy days* after you are gone. Then I will have enough *juice*. So much the better.".

*juicy*

not related to *juice*. Possibly means "appetizing".

*Jumping Peppers!*/Jumping *peppers*!!

Obscure. Resembles an exclamation of (extreme) happiness. Seemingly *happy spices* with more intensity.

*jump in front*

What the Arilou do to try to stop the Orz. It prevents them from having *parties*.

*level*

Related to dimension. The Orz want to show other *levels* to *campers*. *Outside*, *inside* and *in between* might be examples of different *levels*.

*lumpy*

One of two Orz descriptions for *frumple*, along with *round*. As the Orz describe *frumple* as *round* yet *lumpy* the state of *lumpy*ness appears to usually be exclusive from *round*ness.

*many bubbles*/*bubbles*

The numerous distinct individuals of a species, or possibly organic cells or even atomic particles — "Orz are not *many bubbles*", Orz is "one with many *fingers*."

*the middle*

Obscure. May be the same as *in between* (probably TrueSpace and/or HyperSpace, as the arrival of the *campers* makes *parties* held in *the middle* better).

*new town*/*New Town*

New/previously unknown universe/dimension.

*nice colors*

Seemingly not related to *color*. Apparently, the Orz *squirt nice colors* when happy.

*open*

Advance your mind/understanding/technology.

*Orz puppies*

Possibly synonymous with *cousin*.

*other*

Two possible meanings: the opponent of Orz in combat and a neutral alien.

*outside*

The Orz, as well as the Arilou, are from the *outside*. The Orz do not like this place/state and claim that they will never return to it. Likely opposite of *inside*. Likely contains QuasiSpace. *Outside*, *inside* and *in between* might be examples of different *levels*.

*party*

The Orz refer to parties a lot, signifying their importance. It seems that they are somehow related to *campers* and having *fun*; in order for Orz to have a *party*, *campers* must "come together with Orz" (get *connected* with Orz). Having *parties* is apparently *camping*, or a form thereof.

*Others* can have *parties* too, but *campers* are better; *alliance parties* generally make *parties* and even *picnics* better.

*Parties* might help Orz with finishing his "migration" to TrueSpace/HyperSpace ("Soon Orz are really here! You are help Orz with *parties*.") and might be related with the advancement of the *campers*' mind/technology/understanding (*become*?), as they say, "Perhaps after the biggest *party* you will understanding the Orz and I can showing you other *levels*." *Parties* are also *fun* and keep Orz from being "*frumple* everyday".

Places where *parties* can be held include *the middle* and the *playgrounds*.

Apparently, the Arilou prevent the Orz from having *parties* by *jumping in front*, which annoys the Orz to no end. Humans might be better for *parties*, as the Orz were annoyed that the Arilou got to them first; besides, the Orz also say "You are help Orz with *parties*. Orz looking for you, and find you. So much joy!!".

*people energy*

A characteristic of the Orz.

*picnic*

Something similar to a *party*, but apparently better than a *party*.

*pieces*

A unit of time. "Six or nine *pieces* ago, myself the Orz did not even *smell* your *level*."

*play*

Something the Orz do with other entities/*campers* to obtain/attain *fun*. Might also simply mean "to act"/"to do". *Playing* at somebody's *house* might be required for having a *party* (or might even mean that).

*playground*

A *playground* is apparently a good *party place*, though only in *quick time*. Delta Vulpeculae II-C, the former homeworld of the Taalo, is called the "Taalo *playground*". Since the Taalo apparently left for *Pretty Space* from their home, a *playground* might also be a good place for *sliding*. See also *time jokes*.

*pleasant combinations*

Apparently refers to a situation liked by the Orz.

*Pretty Space*

The place (apparently a dimension) to which the Taalo went to escape the Dnyarri. To translate to *Pretty Space* is referred to as to *spread* into *Pretty Space*. There are many good places for this on the Taalo *playground* (Delta Vulpeculae II-C). Probably unrelated to *pretty colors* ("*Smelling* *pretty colors* is the best *game*.").

*pull*

Something the Orz can do to *campers* after being *connected*; the *connected* *campers* seem not to like it. This is what they wanted to do to the Androsynth, against their will. The Orz refer to *pulling* as being "sad".

*quick time*

An example of differences between universes/dimensions. It apparently is inaccessible to human technology. See *slow time*. "We can have extra fun for future *parties* in *quick time*."

*relatives*

Likely means "allies". Might also refer to a member of an "extended family", a concept the Arilou talk about ("You are one of our... extended family, just as other sentients in other dimensions have their extended families."). It is possible that this word is related with *cousin* and *sister*.

*round*

Mentioned together with *lumpy*. Some sort of characteristic (negative or positive) of being *frumple*.

*sauce*

Related to *juice*. The Orz like *sauce*, which they seem to acquire through killing: "After the *dancing*, Orz think you will make good *special sauce*. Maybe even for other Orz *party*." It would seem this is likely to be something sinister. The Orz apparently wish those who take part in *parties* to enjoy the *sauce*, as in the above quote, or in their parting words from random encounters: "Do not forget to *enjoy the sauce*."

*see*

Obscure; though it could mean that you think you understand the Orz compared to all the other races and species. For instance, all species have cells and particles (*many bubbles*), but the Orz don't as they "are many *fingers*".

*sick*

Used when the Orz are about to attack ("You are *sick* for the last time."); being *sick* might mean "doing something wrong".

*silly* (stand alone)

Bothersome, inquisitive or insistent.

*silly cow*/*Cows*

One who annoys the Orz — "First the VUX, but they are such *silly cows*... they ask so much about the Androsynth we must *dance* with them". *Silly* is often used independently to mean "annoying" or "uninitiated"/"profane". It is important to note that Orz will attack (*dance* with) *silly cows* on sight. *Silly cows* are apparently *campers* (specifically *not campers*).

*sister*

Obscure; only used in one context ("Extremely happy *sisters* should correct each other for *celebration*."). Might be related with the words *relative* and *cousin*.

*slide*

Dimensional travel. Some interesting quotes using this: "*Happy campers* not going to *heavy space* *slide* near Chandrasekhar. Especially not ever! These are *fat* words.", "Arilou can *slide*. Also Taalo. Many can *slide*, but Orz are better of course.", "Finally we find you, the *happy campers* and the Taalo *playground* for sliding through." The Chandrasekhar *slide* is the naturally occurring QuasiSpace portal.

*slippery places*

Dimensional portals, usually formed with IDF.

*slow time*

An example of differences between universes/dimensions. This apparently is the normal experience in TrueSpace. See *quick time*. "It is not fun on the surface [of the Taalo *playground*] in *slow time*."

*smell*

Perceive in some unknown way/from another dimension. This word is also used by the Arilou (without asterisks, though after suspension points, which seem to be used sometimes by the Arilou instead of a pair of asterisks).

*smooth*

Mentioned together with *bright*. Some sort of quality the Orz like at TrueSpace/HyperSpace. Seemingly opposite of *hurt*.

*space*

Obscure; it is referred to as being "[not one but] many". Might be related to *heavy space* and *Pretty Space*, but probably not with *now space*.

*special*

The Orz want to be *special* together with *campers*. Might refer to being an IDF race.

*special things*

Likely refers to knowledge related to Inter-Dimensional Fatigue.

*spicy*

A positive characteristic.

*spit*

Talk or chat.

*spread*

To *spread* to *Pretty Space* is to move to *Pretty Space*.

*spread the wax*

Become able to *slide*, or move between dimensions (i.e. remove the *sticky*-ness), most likely.

*squishy*

Good, goodness.

*squirt*

Obscure; the Orz generally use it in combination with *nice colors*, as *squirting nice colors*, but they also mention the word separately at one time: "Do you want to *squirt*? If you want to, then you do. It is best, I know it." The parallelism between this quote and "So I am waiting for you to *spit*. It is a pleasure.", as well as the similarity in meaning between "to spit" and "to squirt" might imply that *squirt* is related to communicating.

*sticky*

Unable to move between dimensions (*slide*).

*surprising toys*/surprising *toys*¹

Obscure; if The Captain asks what happened to the Androsynth, the Orz say that "Androsynth are not here. Orz are here.", further explaining that the Humans are not in the same situation as the clones, but are *happy campers*. The Orz then say "Do you want to see our surprising toys*? No!! Do Not!!" and then state that they do not want to talk any more about the Androsynth. Could refer to the Orz's true nature/form, as the sight of an extra-dimensional being could very well destroy a creature's mind (thus one does not want to see their surprising *toys*) — which might be related to what happened to Bukowski on the Androsynth homeworld.

*take*

Listen to someone else talking.

*time*

Obscure; it is referred to as being "not one but many". *Time* as in *happy time*, *fun time* or *party time*/*partytime* might mean something different. Also used by the Arilou to refer to a concept akin to dimension. Might be related with *slow time* and *quick time*, as well as with *time jokes*.

*time jokes*

Something that Taalo are making at the Taalo *playground*. They are "too funny for the Orz".

*together*

*campers* must come *together* with Orz for *camping*/*parties*. Seemingly closely related, or synonymous, with *connected*. There seems to be something sinister about being *together*: "Do you want to be *together* with us? Always the other *sad animals* go away, but first we have lots of fun."

Notes and references

¹Appears in-game as "surprising toys*" due to a typographic error. It is not clear whether "*surprising toys*" or "surprising *toys*" is the correct spelling.